Since 1 January 1901, Australia has been a federation of six states. In 1911 two territories, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, were transferred to the Commonwealth from New South Wales and South Australia.
This federal system of government is based on British-derived parliamentary institutions (the Westminster system) and American-derived federal arrangements. Under this system, government in Tasmania is exercised at three levels:

Commonwealth Government, with authority based on a written constitution and centred in Canberra

State Government, with residual powers (powers not reserved for the Commonwealth), and centred in Hobart

local government, with authority derived from state Acts, and operating in 29 subdivisions of the state.

SUMMARY GOVERNMENT STATISTICS, Tasmania - 2005

Commonwealth Government

Senate

12 Tas. representatives

House of Representatives

5 Tas. representatives

State Government

Governor

Mr William Cox

Premier

Mr Paul Lennon

Legislative Council

15 members

House of Assembly

25 members

Ministry

8 members

Local government

Local government authorities

29

Source: Department of Education; Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia; Parliament of Australia; and Department of Premier and Cabinet.